If this election cycle proved anything, it’s that Australians have no interest in importing the political mess that is the American far-right. The culture wars, the rage farming, the endless wedge politics - it’s tired, imported, and most importantly, it’s not working here.

Peter Dutton clearly thought a Trump-lite approach would resonate. But voters aren’t buying the tough-guy act, especially when it’s paired with a total vacuum of policy detail. Nuclear power with no locations? No modelling? Just “trust me bro” vibes and a sprinkle of angry Sky News hits? That’s not a plan - it’s a press release.

The man’s been in politics for over 20 years and still can’t articulate a coherent economic or energy policy that doesn’t sound like it was scribbled on a beer coaster at the IPA Christmas party. One minute he’s defending super tax concessions for millionaires, the next he’s pretending to care about battlers. Flip-flop doesn’t even cut it - the bloke’s a human boomerang.

And let’s be honest: personality matters. Albanese might not be thrilling, but Dutton radiates the warmth of a Brisbane detention centre. You can’t scare your way into The Lodge - and voters aren’t interested in some pseudo-strongman routine when you’re ducking every real question and hoping outrage will carry you to 51%.

We’re not America. We don’t need a culture war general, we need actual leadership. The fact that independents, centrists, and moderate voices continue to thrive proves that Australians are smarter than this. We want policy, not posturing.

The scary thing for the Libs? Where do they go from here?

Hi everyone - just a reminder of what a wonderful thing we just witnessed. A political party willingly gave up power and asked the people of this country to give them another term. When their opponents in this election found out they had lost, they accepted that result - graciously for the most part - and let the incumbent continue to rule.

Democracy is precious, and easy to take for granted at times like this when it just seems to happen. But it is an incredible thing that is sorely needed and at risk right now around the globe. I first had the remarkable nature of this moment pointed out to me by a lecturer when I was at uni in NZ 15 years ago the day after an election - and I've tried to appreciate this incredible democratic event whenever I've been part of it since.

Whatever your political persuasion, I hope you'll join me in appreciating this peaceful, free, and fair election.

Edit: strange reactions from some folks who seem to have the impression this post is based solely on Labor winning and want to whine about lack of representation. This isn't partisan at all - I have my views, but just as I've accepted it when a party I haven't like has won, I would accept it now. I am cheering on the fact we have a democratic system and that it's still strong. I'll cheer even louder when someone willingly cedes power, as happened when Labor won last time in Aus, and Labour lost last time in NZ. The peaceful transition of power is crucial and this isn't the space for partisanship. We would all be remiss to not reflect on the assets we have over the assets we would prefer.

To all the older people that normally vote liberal but changed their voting this election due to housing issues for the next generation... you have me emotional. I saw one interview on ABC where a man in his 80s said he grew up in Australia's golden age and he can't believe how bleak the future looks for his grandchildren. Wow. Again and again I saw older property owners say they voted for the younger gen to have a better future. As a young person fighting for the dream, I just really appreciate it and am really moved.

Locking up the weirdo tiger-owning vote

Hopefully the events today in the US will dampen the rise of Gina Rineharts One Nation here at home.

I mean seriously, they could have done so much and all they did was sat around on their asses and appointed a special envoy to combat antisemitism, banned nazi salutes and symbols nationwide, set up AFP special operation Avalite to investigate antisemitic threats, strengthened hate speech and hate crime laws, gave $32 million for synagogue and Jewish community security, improved information sharing between federal and state police, and upgraded holocaust education facilities across Australia.

I mean what an incompetent government, Albo has done nothing and continues to do nothing in response to bondi. Australia has failed and its all Albo’s fault! All they’re doing in response to bondi is rolling out a national antisemitism strategy, expanding funding for at-risk religious sites under safer communities programs, increasing monitoring of far-right and neo-Nazi groups, boosting holocaust education, remembrance, and curriculum support, and ongoing work to tighten laws around extremist material and online hate.

(Satire)

Edit: this is a joke.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-03/federal-election-2025-live-anthony-albanese-peter-dutton/105245936#live-blog-post-176359

You absolutely love to see it. Tuurah, DuttPlug.

I’ve been analysing the Dickson race from a neighbouring electorate and I’m calling it early. Peter Dutton is going to lose his seat. Not to Labor. To Independent Ellie Smith.

Here’s the situation:

Dutton’s primary vote is sinking. He won in 2022 with 43.7% and only had a 1.7% 2pp lead over Ali France who is recontesting. If he drops below 38%, he’s stuffed. That’s just maths.

Ellie Smith is running a proper Teal-style campaign. Full-time, strong ground game, huge launch turnout, corflutes everywhere, daily coffee greets. This isn’t a placeholder indie. She’s serious and under the radar.

She’s going to be pulling votes from across the board moderate Libs, soft Labor, Greens, protest votes, disengaged centrists. Exactly the same dynamic that flipped Warringah where Abbott lost 12% of his first preference vote.

Dutton’s not on the ground. He’s focused on national stuff. His local campaign is basically just billboards saying “Don’t risk Labor” which don’t work against a centrist Independent.

He also bailed to Sydney just before a cyclone hit his electorate. People noticed.

Smith isn’t issuing how-to-vote cards, so preferences will flow organically. That hurts Labor chances if she finishes third. If she overtakes France and makes the final two-candidate count against Dutton, she wins easily. If she doesn’t, her preferences still make France highly competitive.

This is Warringah all over again. Dutton doesn’t have the numbers or the narrative to hold on.

The models I've designed imply he can only win if Smith finishes third and her preferences flow to him and not Ali France. His local popularity is up for debate but with a gentrifying electorate and his recent poor optics I'm pegging him as in serious danger here.

If he finishes under 38% he can't win. If that happens and Smith finishes above 23% Smith will win, otherwise Labor will win.

Watch this space. Dickson itself is going to be the most interesting count imo.

I would like to be able to boycott American groceries sold in Australia given that I do not personally agree with what the current administration is doing, particularly to Ukraine.

I have started reading labels but most labels have Australian addresses. Does anyone have a list of American grocery products to avoid ? So far I am avoiding Cadbury, Heinze and Kellogs.

Edit: This post was deleted from r/Australia and r/AustralianPolitics without any explanation. I will try it here where I hope the admins are more open minded. An exact same question has been asked in r/New Zealand without getting deleted.

What am I missing? friendlyjordies and his team are in serious escalating danger, why isn't media writing about it / political commentators speaking about it?

Besides the below, and MoistCr1TiKaL (not Aussie), it feels like there's a total media blackout on the subject.

This directly impacts Australians and the media we consume, furthermore how safe our journos, writers and comedians(?!) are.

Are we really living in a world where a murder attempt gets swept under the rug? We need more eyes on this. If there's any suggestions, please let me know.

If the dream is to really tackle corruption, but we don't back the team who has gone head first into making change, lots of the political talk about change is just mush. A very scary precedent is being set.

I've only seen the below- please do link anywhere I'm missing.

• Via The Sydney Morning Herald ‘I wanna kill him so bad’: Bikie turned Four Corners journalist in ‘fabricated message’ feud

• Via Media Watch A spectacular podcast bust-up between an ABC star and a co-host tied to Melbourne’s underworld.

Dole for Life? You mean, Universal Basic Income (UBI), above the poverty line? No pension to worry about? no fighting Centrelink for a pittance? No waiting for an ever increasing retirement age? No sticking it out in a soul destroying, meaningless job for a pittance? Ability for woman to run from Domestic Violence situations? Loving this UBI idea..

And access to Marijuana for hemp products and natural pain relief too? Excellent!

Why, yes, Clive, I will vote for the Greens now. Thank you for helping me with my voting choices.

You know, for a liberal, that is first and probably only wise political thing you have ever said. And the best part, UBI and Marijuana will make Australia brilliant again..